Attractive truths in lesson and story

Front matter

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UNITEB STATES OF AMERICA.

Preface

As WE look abroad, today, we see countless numbers of young people who are making sad shipwrecks of their lives. In the families of rich and poor alike there are cruel disappointments over children who are certain to fill dishonored graves. Even the Christian family is not exempt, for too often we find in it the embezzler, the drunkard, the thief, or the profligate of some sort. Now, the question which forces itself upon us is this: Was there no way in which these unfortunates could have been saved ? Doubtless all were born with wicked propensities to a greater or lesser degree, but I doubt if many or most of them could not have been rescued had they been properly instructed in youth. More and more are we realizing the mighty power of early training. As people grow older their memories are more taxed and less retentive, while the impressions made in childhood seem almost impossible to efface.

If, then, these little ones, which God has given us, are to stand the storms and not be stranded when tossed on the sea of life, they must be thoroughly instructed in the dangers they are to meet, and prepared to direct themselves aright. Christ came into the world to give us certain grand principles for the guidance of life, and to mark out the channels, not forgetting to indicate the haven ; and it is this instruction that must vi PRE FA CE.

be fixed in the minds of the children. If this training were realized in the home, there might not be the urgent call for church instruction ; but the fact is that in many families the children are very poorly equipped for the voyage of life. Lessons on dress and etiquette are not neglected but too frequently the warnings are very feeble in regard to the great rocks of sin against which the little mariners may so soon strike. The father neglects it, perhaps, because he is so much absorbed in business that he has. little time for home training, or perchance, not being perfectly true himself, he may feel as the boy did who broke a window: '' I'd rather not talk now." The mother, with her abounding love in her little ones, confidently tells you that she has no fears that her darlings will do anything amiss ; but, alas ! the poor woman awakes from her delusion to find some loved child floundering in deep waters, and she powerless to save.

The perils to the young in this age are overwhelming, and children of the church, and children of the street, need to be gathered in and taught. Let the devoted women of our land, who are crying " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" recall His words: '' Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me."

" Only an hour with the children Pleasantly, cheerfully given ; Yet seed was sown In that hour alone Which would bring forth fruit in heaven."

But many who are willing to do spiritual work among children lack, at first, just that experience in originating and combining ideas that is so requisite for success in the work. Extensive fields of thought must be roamed

over, and buds and blossoms gathered which shall prove attractive to the little ones. This requires much labor, and, if one does not know the hiding-places of these little beauties, the search for them will seem so laborious that many will hesitate to engage in it. The ^vriter, therefore, has endeavored, after extended research, to arrange thoughts, both old and new, in a way that will prove helpful for religious instruction among children.

Parents who have the spiritual education of their children in view can, by the aid of this little book, mark Bible verses, and teach noble principles in an attractive manner.

The Scripture verses, which have been chosen for each day, will enrich the character and prove invaluable in times of need. When turning the leaves of their Bibles in years to come, they cannot fail to point forcibly to the way of holiness.

Stories are a never-failing source of enjoyment to children, and, when chosen with care, they can become a mighty power in clinching divine truth.

The outlines, it is hoped, will give added force to all other thoughts on the subject ; they are designed merely as threads of thought, which can be woven into any size or shape that may be desired.

Hints are given on all points which are deemed necessary for successful religious teaching, and it is hoped that the work is so simplified that a novice can readily engage in it, thus becoming instrumental in developing noble men and women.

May the mission of this book be to induce many to undertake the religious training of the young, thus leading the dear children early into the Christian life !

Contents

Preface v

Introduction 5

Chapter I. What to Teach Children 9

How to Study the Bible — The Ruling Principles of Christ's Life — How to Praj — How to Conduct a Religious Meeting — A Simple Creed — Sacred Song — Sacred Poetry — Organization.

Chapter II. Practical Suggestions 33

Hints to Leaders — Place of Meeting — Name — Time — Age — Rewards — Entertainments — Benevolence — Mode of Conducting Meetings — Programmes — Various Ways of Reading Scripture — Prayer Service — Different Modes of Teaching the Bible.

Chapter XX. Lesson: Evil Speaking .... 148 Story: I Won't Hear Bad Words. Chapter XXL Lesson: Courage 151

Story: Frank's Victory.

Chapter XXIL Lesson: Bearing the Cross . . 160 Story: The Little Cross-bearer.

Chapter XXIII. Lesson: Envy and Jealousy . . 166 Story: A Forfeited Gift.

CONTENTS. 3

Chapter XXIV. Lesson: Perseverance . . . . 173

Story: The Energy That Succeeds

Chapter XXV. Lesson: Cruelty 178

Story: Tabitha's Button.

Chapter XXVI. Lesson: Intemperance . . . 185

Story: The General's Enemy.

Chapter XXVII. Lesson: Kindness to Mother . 191 Story: Christmas Mittens.

Chapter XX VIII. Lesson: What to Do in Trouble 198 Story : Imprisoned .

Chapter XXIX. Lesson: Kindness to the Poor . 207 Story: "A Darling."

Chapter XXX. Lesson: Love Your Bibles . . 314 Story: How Miriam Learned to Love the Bible.

Chapter XXXI. Lesson: The Child Jesus Loves . 222 Story: Such a Comfort.

Chapter XXXII. Lesson: Honesty 229

Story: Teddy's Book.

Chapter XXXIII. Lesson: Christ Our Pattern . 235 Story: •• Be Thou My Pattern."

Chapter XXXIV. Lesson: Kindness to Father . 245 Story: Looking Over Father.

Chapter XXXV. Lesson: Getting Riches . , .251 Story: Miser John's Shadow.

Chapter XXXVI. Lesson: Temptation . . . 258 Story: Tip's Temptation.

Chapter XXXVII. Lesson: Mormonism . . , 263 Story: The Tale Told by a Mormon Woman.

Chapter XXXVIII. Lesson: Be Peaceable . . 268 Story: Peace on Earth.

4 CONTENTS.

Chapter XXXIX. Lesson: Confession . . • • 278 Story: Tillie's Temptation.

Chapter XL. Lesson: What to Read .... 283

Story: Archie Moore's Club.

Chapter XLI. Lesson: Keeping the Sabbath . . 289 Story: "I Don't Work on Sunday."

Chapter XLII. Lesson: Slander 296

Story: How the Story Grew,

Chapter XLIII. Lesson: Thanksgiving .... 300

Story: Miss Sallie's Thanksgiving,

Chapter XLIV, Lesson: Christmas 307

Story: Jeanie's Christmas.

Chapter XLV. Lesson: New Year's 312

Story: Farmer Crehore's New Year.

Chapter XLVL Lesson: Easter 319

Story: An Easter Part}-,

Chapter XLVII, Extra Programmes, etc, . . . 328 The Clock on Giving — The Gospel Alphabet — Catechism on Church Forms — Temperance Catechism — Temperance — Pledge in Rhyme — Tobacco Catechism,

Chapter XLVIII. Additional Exercises .... 336 Bible Story, the name of person to be guessed — Bible Story, with the prominent words to be supplied — Twenty Questions — The Women of the Bible — The Children of the Bible— The Seas of the Bible— The Mountains of the Bible — The Precious Stones of the Bible,

Introduction

This book is indicative of the fact that the church is living in an era v^hen the training of her children is her chief concern. It is indicative as well of the better things to come to the church of God v^hen, w^ith patience, care and loving zeal, generation after generation shall have been trained, from the cradle, for Christ. Grow^th by conquest from v^ithout, rather than by training her children w^ithin the church and for the church, was the old idea. Now on the banner of the church is written '■'• Nurture and Conquest^

The comparative disregard of Christian nurture within the church was perhaps due to the perversions of certain truths, like the doctrines of total depravity and original sin. Insensibly men reasoned, if this child is totally depraved there must be some startling transformation scene necessary. He must be converted, as Paul was converted on the road to Damascus. Hence he must first be expected to go to Damascus as a blasphemer. It will not be strange if he is willful and wicked, for tiien saving grace will interpose to do its work. Most happily for the children, most happily for the church, has the truth prevailed in more recent times that while the nature is depraved and the heart prone to evil, while a radical cure is

6 INTRODUCTION.

needed for the heart of the boy as well as for the heart of the man, yet no startling manifestation is necessary or to be expected in the life of the comparatively innocent child. He can be truly converted, truly give his heart into the keeping of Jesus Christ and choose Him for his Everlasting Portion, without the paroxysms of terror or the raptures of joy at deliverance, which the more hardened sinner might be expected to experience. In other words it has become plain that a child can become a Christian in a childlike way, quietly and naturally, and that previous training and parental guidance are the means used by God and blessed by the Holy Spirit in bringing the child to Christ. It has become plain that this is true not of the little prodigy, the precocious and sickly little girl who was " born good," but of the average, wide-a-wake, fun-loving child.

With a more complete realization of this truth have come the more modern methods of Christian nurture as a natural result. If the child can be converted and brought into the visible fold, and set at work for Christ as a child may work for Him, then a weighty responsibility rests upon the church to thus care for and train all these children. Most heartily has she, of late days, accepted this responsibility, and, while the conquests from without, among the men and women hardened in the ways of the world, are no less, her acquisitions from within, from among tliQ children of believing parents, are vastly more numerous.

This book, as we have said before, is one of the indications that this ^lad day has dawned, and, as such, wc?

most heartily welcome it. Not only for what it indicates, but for what it is, we welcome it, for we have never seen any work more admirably fitted to its purpose. In fact, literature of this sort is very scanty, and, so far as we know, this book occupies a place all its own. If others have received as many letters as we have asking for just the information which is here given, how to teach children to study the Bible, how to teach them to pray, how to conduct a religious meeting for them, how to interest them in missionary efforts and in all benevolent work, they will agree with us that few more helpful or timely books have been issued for many a year. In the home, in the Sunday-school class, in the mission circle, above all, in the children's meeting, this volume w^ill find its place and will be welcomed eagerly by many a perplexed parent, pastor and teacher.

One of the indications of the remarkable interest taken in work for children is the growth and development of Junior Christian Endeavor Societies, which seem destined to rival in numbers and rapidity of growth the Senior organizations of the same name, the Christian Endeavor Societies for young men and women. We do not see why this book, with its wealth of suggestive material, its outline studies on all matters of practical Christianity and its happily chosen stories, may not be used as a text book by leaders of these societies. In all these vs^ays we believe it is destined to do much toward hastening the time when the earthly Jerusalem "shall be full of girls and

boys."

F. E. Clark,

Chapter I. What To Teach Children

(l) HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE.

Comparatively few children nowadays love to study their Bibles; indeed, very many do not possess one. Sunday-school quarterlies they have, and from them they gather most of their Bible instruction. The day of learning whole chapters has largely passed away. Here and there a child can recite a golden text of the Sunday-school lesson, but too frequently they have no idea from which book in the Bible it is taken.

One object, therefore, of a child's meeting should be to teach God's Word, and, in order to do this, every child should have a Bible of his or her own. Where children are too poor to buy, the church should provide one, loaning it until the child has attended at least a month, and then presenting it. Bibles, of good coarse print, can be procured for twenty or thirty cents. Every week, seven verses, or parts of verses (one for each day in the week), should be selected from all parts of the Bible, to be underlined with red stylographicink. This can be done by young ladies or girls (called Bible markers), who may sit at a table in the same or an adjoining room, doing their work while the leader and assistants are conducting the meeting. Stylograph pens are the best to prevent blotting. Great care must be taken to mark only that part of the verse that is written down in the programme, for the writer has learned by experience that if the texts are too long they will not be learned by the children. Too great stress cannot be laid on this mode of Bible instruction. In searching hither and thither for the various texts they learn to become very familiar with the books of the Bible, and soon delight to roam over its pages.

The red lines under the verses which emphasize the noble principles of our divine Master are stamped indelibly on the pages of the sacred book, and whenever in after years the children shall turn the leaves in any form of Bible study their attention cannot fail to be directed to such sentences as '^Walk honestly," "I hate every false way," ''Be kindly affectioned one to another," *' Forsake not the law of thy mother," "Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation." Who can doubt the mighty power which such verses will exert, especially if they shall serve to awaken also the valuable instruction given at the time they were marked ?

The texts have been arranged in their natural order, and if the work is done by two who are sitting together, it goes very easily. One can find the places while the other underlines and blots them, and, taking two or three Bibles at a time, the work is soon accomplished. If the class is large, it may take six or eight Bible markers. Try to secure such young persons as can be relied upon for regular attendance.

A small note-book (paper cover, costing, by the dozen, two cents each) should be furnished each child, to be kept in the Bible for daily reference. These should be brought to each meeting, in order that the

Bible markers may put in the texts and the days on which they are to be learned. For instance, the little note-book should be written in as follows :

Lesson I. — Unselfishness.

Saturday, Isaiah 41 : 6.

Sunday, Matthew 7:12.

Monday, Mark 12 : 31.

Tuesday, Romans 15:2.

Wednesday, Galatians 6 : 2.

Thursday, Galatians 6 : 10.

Friday, Hebrews 13 : 16.

Lesson LI. — Purity.

Saturday, Psalm 19 : 12.

Sunday, Psalm 24 : 3, 4.

Monday, Psalm 51:2.

Tuesday, Psalm 51 : 10.

Wednesday, Isaiah i : 16.

Thursday, Amos 4 : 6.

Friday, James 4 : 8.

With the books written in this way, the children can readily find their verses, for when they turn to the chapter and verse as indicated in the little book, the red lines will point instantly to the portion to be learned. Impress upon the children that these little books are most valuable in reviewing, and they must take great care to preserve them.

There should be Bibles in every seat before the meeting commences, as they will be needed for the responsive readings and other study. These must be furnished by the church, as those that the children possess are in the hands of the Bible markers during the service.

(ll) THE RULING PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST'S LIFE.

Religion, to many children, is vague and misty. A young lady of eighteen years or more said once to the writer, '' Now, I understand what religion is ; you say it is doing, acting and being good. It is being Christ-like. I always thought it was feeling in a certain way, and I never could feel as I thought I should, no matter how hard I tried." All her life her conception of spiritual things had been wrong, and thus many years of usefulness had been wasted. Religion, to be understood by children, must be intensely practical. It is not enough to say to them that being a Christian is being Christ-like ; we must go farther, and by a series of lessons analyze the character of Christ, until they can see that He was unselfish, pure, truthful, patient, obedient, etc. Christ's life and words show His spirit in regard to the following subjects :

Unselfishness. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John lo : ii.

Purity. Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8.

Truthfulness. I am the way, and the truth, and the life. John 14 : 6.

Patience. In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 21 : 19.

Obedience. Not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22 : 42.

Profanity. I say unto you. Swear not at all. Matthew 5 : 34.

Our Country. Render therefore unto Ccxsar the things which are Caesar's. Matthew 22 : 21.

Prayerfulness. Watch, and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. Matthew 26 : 41.

Cheerfulness. Your sorrow shall be turned into joy. John i6 : 20.

Punishment for Sin. Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. Matthew 25 : 30.

Salvation from Sin. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6 : 37.

Missions. Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16 : 15.

Attendance at Church. They found Him in the temple. Luke 2 : 46.

Vanity. Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations, and the chief seats in the synagogues. Mark 12 : 38, 39. ' Charity. Freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10 : 8.

Promptness. Be ye therefore ready. Luke 12 : 40.

Evil Speaking. By thy words thou shalt be justified ; by thy words shalt thou be condemned. Matthew 12 : 37.

Courage. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful ? Mark 4 : 40.

Bearing the Cross. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16 . 24.

Envy and Jealousy. By the way they disputed among themselves who should be greatest. He saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. Mark 9 : 34, 35.

Perseverance. He that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10 : 22.

Cruelty. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and smote off his ear. Then Jesus said unto him. Put up again, thy sword into his place : for all they that take the sword, shall perish with the sword. Matthew 26 : 51, 52.

Kindness to Mother. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, then saith he to the disciple. Behold thy mother ! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19 : 26, 27.

What to Do in Trouble. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11 : 28.

Kindness to the Poor. Give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. Matthew 19 : 21.

Love Your Bibles. Search the scriptures. John 5:39.

Jesus' Love for Children. But Jesus said, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid therh not ; for of such is the kingdom of God. Mark 10 : 14.

Honesty. All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. Matthew 7:12.

Christ Our Pattern. If any man serve me, let him follow me. John 12 : 26.

Fathers. For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother : and he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. Matthew 15:4.

Getting Riches. What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own sout? Mark 8 : 36.

What to Do When Tempted. And Jesus answered and said unto him. Get thee behind me, Satan. Luke 4 : 8.

MORMONISM. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise. Mark 13 : 22.

Peaceableness. Blessed are the peace-makers : for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9.

Confession. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew lo : 32.

What to Read. Whoso readeth, let him understand. Matthew 24 : 15.

Keeping the Sabbath. The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath. Mark 2 : 27.

Slander. Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matthew 7:1.

These are the lessons to be taught during the year.

(hi) how to pray.

Prayer should form a part of every service, and frequently the children should participate. It is well to explain a little about not being heard for " much speaking"; and also before the service to ask the children who are willing to pray to raise their hands. Show them that it is as easy to ask God for what they want as their mamma or papa. If, however, the children are timid, let them write a little prayer at home to read or say at the meeting. Our Lord's Prayer is printed, and all the prayers in some churches are read. It will be only for a short time that the children will need this kind of support. It is well to close the eyes while in prayer, for it will help to overcome the wiles of Satan, who is always vigilant at this time.

A helpful thing to recite in unison before commencing the prayer service, is :

" To say my prayers is not to pray, Unless I mean the words I say ; Unless I think to whom I speak.

And with my heart His favor seek.

Ifi ATTRACTIVE TRUTHS.

*' In prayer we speak to God above, We seek the blessed Saviour's love. We ask for pardon for each sin, And grace to keep us pure Avithin.

"Then let me, when I try to pray, Not only mind the words I say, But let me try with watchful care To have my heart go with my prayer."

An assistant can offer a simple little prayer, if at any time there is a pause, asking God to help those who feel timid, to pray. The following prayer may be taught, to make variety in closing the service, and to make all feel that they have had a part in it :

O God, our heavenly Father, we come to Thee with thankful hearts for all Thy goodness to us. May we remember that without Thy tender care we could not live in this happy world. Thou gavest us life and all the good things we enjoy, but best of all, thou didst give us Thy dear Son, our blessed Saviour. May we try to be like Him, hating all that is evil, and loving all that is good. Help us to do right, and forgive us our sins, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

(IV) HOW TO CONDUCT A RELIGIOUS MEETING.

In this day, much is expected of the young people in our churches, and it is, therefore, of the utmost importance that they acquire a little experience in childhood. It is wise, therefore, to teach every child, who is willing, how to conduct a meeting. At such times as the leader may see fit, she can assign the subject and give all needed suggestions. Teach the child thus selected how to make a programme and a little outline.

Let him or her write out some questions and answers upon the subject, to be distributed among the children, to be read at the meeting ; and also choose the scripture and the hymns, calling on the leader to explain the Bible verses for the coming week, and also to read the story. Prop up any who seem frightened, with occasional ideas of your own.

Begin with the older children, and you will be surprised at the ease and grace they will display, if properly taught beforehand. Encourage their originality, and never forget to praise even the most feeble effort.

(V) A SIMPLE CREED.

Every child should have a definite idea of the essentials of religion, but in teaching them take only clear and simple truths, that the minds of the little ones can grasp, and that will not be affected by the changing interpretations of time. A creed that seems able to stand such a test is the following :

" 1 believe in God the Father, Who made us every one ; Who made the earth and heavens, The moon, and stars and sun.

All that we have each day.

To us by Him is given ; We call Him when we pray Our Father who art in Heaven,

" I believe in Jesus Christ, The Father's only Son, Who came to us from Heaven And loved us every one.

He taught us to be holy, Till on the cross He died ;

And now we call Him Saviour And Christ the crucified.

" I believe God's Holy Spirit Is with us every day, And if we do not grieve Him, He ne'er will go away.

From Heaven upon Jesus He descended like a dove, And dwelleth ever with us, To fill our hearts with love."

(Vl) SACRED SONG.

The value of music must not be underrated in the training of children, for it is a most powerful agent in sowing the good seed. Choose a few hymns, which are stimulating to holy aspirations and deeds, and yet are simply expressed, and so familiarize the children with the words and music that they will not require the book while singing. Remember that your words may fade and die; but these song words may live in the memory forever. Frequently allow the children to select the hymns, teaching them to choose such as will be in accord with the sentiment of the meeting. If their first choice is out of harmony, allow them to select again, after explaining why it was not suitable. Develop all the musical talent that you find in the children, thus teaching them early to consecrate their gifts to God. If several of the children play the piano, let each learn one piece perfectly, and whenever it is sung allow him or her to play it. Give to the children with sweet voices occasional solos to sing. If any of the boys play the violin, call on them also to aid in the work.

It is well always to stand while singing, as it gives a restful change of position and a better opportunity for the sound to come forth. Have an inspiring leader, who will throw an earnest spirit of worship into each hymn. Explain always the meaning of the words, until it reaches the comprehension of the youngest. A hymn having these words, ''He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," is said to have been interpreted in a fashionable church thus, " He that hath yaws to yaw, let him yaw." It is needless to say that this is the style of rendering to be avoided. Never choose gloomy hymns. ''Down life's dark vale we wander," may strike a sympathetic cord in some sad soul who has given up many that were dear to her ; but the valley of childhood is rarely mournful or dark, and we should aim to keep it bright and cheery as long as possible. " I feel like singing all the time," Avould more nearly accord with the spirit of childhood.

(VII) SACRED POETRY.

People of the present day are not overburdened with sentiment. There is little enough poetry in the web of life, and it is therefore wise, in order to touch religion from every point of view, to drop into the minds of the children occasional gems of religious poetry. Select from the best authors, but give only small portions.

(VIII) ORGANIZATION.

Many people who are conducting Children's Meetings have found organization a great aid. The growth of the Societies of Christian Endeavor, by means of a constitution, has been so wonderful that it seems very desirable to train the children along the same line.